Despite their common label of “mandarin orange”,  Mandarins are technically not oranges. They are actually an ancestor of what we know to be the modern orange. Mandarins are one of the original citrus species, preceding many of the modern hybrids currently being cultivated.

    The fruits are smaller than oranges on average and have less of a spherical shape with a more flat bottom and looser peel that is easier to remove.

      Historically, the first records of Mandarins originated in China, where their name was derived. They have traditionally been viewed as symbols of good fortune and offered as symbolic gifts of good will preceding celebratory occasions such as the new year.

    Regarding the taxonomical classification of the mandarin fruit producing species: Citrus Reticulata; the ascribed phylum is Magnoliophyta, the order is Sapindales, the family is Rutacea,  the subfamily Aurantioideae, and the genus is Citrus.